new member & looking for ideas on enclosure

Nycmrmike · 02-21-11, 12:27 AM

Hey guys.
I wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions on what I should use to seal an enclosure. I’m trying to brain storm on a new enclosure for my 23yo boa. I’m moving and I’m drafting up some ideas. I’m thinking of doing a duel level enclosure. Top level for my corn snake and bottom for the boa.
I’m looking at melamine as the set up. What happens if it gets wet? I heard it ok for some moisture but I’m concerned if the boa spills water from lounging in her bowl. Will it ruin the wood?

thanks!
Mike

infernalis · 02-21-11, 07:46 AM

If you use the kind that is intended for kitchen or bathroom counter tops for the floor, the coating on the wood will protect it.

In fact a kitchen counter as a cage floor is rock solid, easy to clean and the top is laminated on at the factory, so it's nearly indestructible.

Another trick is to glue down linoleum flooring on the inside of the box.

mld · 02-21-11, 07:51 AM

I wouldn't use just regular melamine, it's cheap! I would use either wood with min wax polyurethane for a sealer or formica over the wood.

Nycmrmike · 02-21-11, 12:37 PM

thanks for the tips guys. looks like i have some work to do.

marvelfreak · 02-22-11, 06:58 PM

Hello and welcome! love to see pics of your snakes.

Jendee · 02-22-11, 08:43 PM

wow you have a 23 yr old boa that is an accomplishment and true testament to your keeping

that has got to be one of the oldest boas Ive heard of I think a friend of mine has one at 34. pictures please!!

presspirate · 02-23-11, 02:44 PM

Laminate (Formica) Lays down best over an mdf (Medium density fiberboard) Best adhered with contact cement coating both surfaces. Mdf is reasonably priced and I imagine your local home center would have cutoffs and scraps of plastic laminate pretty cheap. (I used to work in a cabinet shop making counter tops and such) I hadn't thought of using it in a reptile cage Michelle, that's a great thought, it's got my mind ticking!

Nycmrmike · 02-24-11, 01:08 PM

hi michelle- i just posted couple pics i had on my phone. you can check them out on my albums. im new to this site so learning how to navigate on it..
thx
Mike.

Nycmrmike · 02-24-11, 01:11 PM

Hi jendee- i sent a message and responded to the name michelle.. sorry about that. didnt know why i typed in michelle.